There is some confusion between the terms LIPOSUCTION and LIPOSCULPTURE. Generally, this is in the definition, and they can be said to be similar. Liposuction is the resource used in order to make a liposculpture (regardless of if fat is only removed or also inserted in other areas).

HOW MANY KILOS SHOULD I PUT OFF WITH A LIPOSCULPTURE?
Because it is a surgery that removes a certain amount of fat, there will naturally be some weight loss, which will vary according to each patient’s body volume. It is not, however, the “removed kilos” that will define the aesthetic result, but the proportions that each determined area will keep relatively to the rest of the trunk and limbs. This is so that women who have some bulging in the tummy or in other parts of the trunk, as well as in the hips and upper thighs, might have firm skins or eventually saggy ones. The correct evaluation of 3 items allows us to predict the result: quality of skin elasticity, amount of fat and where this fat is located. In cases in which the patient is overweight, we recommend a previous balance, before the surgery, and that some clinical or physiotherapy treatment are led. There are cases in which fat is removed from certain areas and, under aseptic conditions, reinjected in other regions that need more volume. Part of this fat may be reabsorbed. It is impossible to predict the percentage of this fat that will remain; however, there will be special cares, so as to increase chances of success.

DOES THE LIPOSCULPTURE LEAVE A VERY NOTICEABLE SCAR?
Scars resulting from liposculpture or liposuction are tiny and located in several body parts, so as to allow for access to the area to be operated. The size ranges between 5 and 8 millimeters and they are planned so as to not be very visible. Either way, we will provide explanations about the evolution of a scar, whether the scar results from a liposuction or liposculpture. They are:

IMMEDIATE PERIOD: It goes until the 30th day and presents excellent and little visible aspect. In some cases, there might be a slight reaction to the stitches or the dressing.

INTERMEDIATE PERIOD: It goes from the 30th day to the 12th month. During this period, the scar will naturally become thicker, going from red coloration to brown, and this will gradually get clearer. This period, the less favorable one of the scarring evolution, is the one that most worries the patients. Because we cannot speed up the natural healing process, we recommend patients not to worry, since the late period will take care of diminishing the scar remains.

LATE PERIOD: It goes from the 12th to the 18th month. During this period, the scar starts becoming clearer and less consistent, thus reaching its final aspect. Any evaluation of the final result must be made after this period.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE UNTIL I ACHIEVE THE FINAL RESULT?
On the previous answers, we have made some considerations over the scar evolution. We still have to add some observations over the treated areas, regarding its consistency, sensitivity, volume etc. On the first weeks, or even months, these areas, besides being prone to swelling periods, may present some points denser than others. Generally, these points can only be noticed if you touch them, and they usually disappear after the 3rd month. As months go by, provided you do the proper lymphatic drainages and modeling exercises, you will gradually achieve the definitive result. You should never consider any result as the final one before between 6 and 9 months of postoperative cares.

WILL THE LIPOSUCTION CORRECT THAT FAT EXCESS ON THE REGION OVER THE STOMACH?
Generally, yes. Depending on your type of trunk (thorax + tummy), it is possible to achieve a very natural result. The thickness of the panniculus (fat layer) coating the body is also a very important factor.

WHAT TYPE SWIMSUIT CAN I USE AFTER THE SURGERY?
This is really up to you and your body shape.

CAN I HAVE KIDS IN THE FUTURE? WON’T THE RESULT BE COMPROMISED?

The result may be preserved as long as your weight is controlled during the pregnancy by a specialist. If you return to your previous weight and your skin does not get saggy by the pregnancy, your shape will be maintained. We do, however, have to emphasize that a woman’s body goes through several shape variations as time goes by, due to the fat accumulation in several body parts, especially in the tummy, hips and thighs. This is because at every five or ten years the fat disposition in the body changes from person to person. Still, the excess fat removed will provide a better evolution, even if you put on some weight.

IS THE LIPOSUCTION POSTOPERATIVE VERY PAINFUL?
Generally, no. A liposuction or liposculpture of normal evolution should not present pain, provided the postoperative orientations are followed. Eventual discomforts may be solved with the use of a painkiller or an anti-inflammatory.

ARE THERE ANY DANGERS IN THIS SURGERY?
Rarely does a liposuction bring serious complications, as long as it is performed within certain technical criteria. This is owed to a convenient preparation of each patient for the surgery, besides the discussion about whether or not it is safe to perform this surgery along with others. It is not any more or less dangerous than traveling by plane or car, or simply crossing a street. It is, however, important to take into account that great volumes removed may determine risk during both the surgery and the postoperative. It is a consensus in the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica) that the total amount of fat removed by session should not exceed from 5 to 7% of the body weight. Your surgeon will explain the ideal volume for your case in details.

WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS USED FOR THIS SURGERY?
General, epidural or local assisted anesthesia.

HOW LONG DOES THE SURGICAL PROCESS TAKE?
Depending on the extension of the areas to be treated, the time may range from 1 to 3 hours, and it might be prolonged in some cases. However, the surgery time must not be confused with the time the patient will spend on the surgical center, because it will also involve the anesthetic preparation and the postoperative recovery. Your doctor will be able to tell you the total time needed.

HOW LONG IS THE HOSPITAL STAY?
Depending on the extension of the aspired area and on the type of anesthesia (local with sedation, epidural, general), the hospitalization time may vary from a few hours to 1 day.

ARE DRESSINGS USED?
Yes. Semi-compressive dressings with special straps, used for a period of 30 to 45 days, on average.

WHEN ARE THE STITCHES REMOVED?
Between the 4th and 7th day.

WHEN CAN I TAKE A COMPLETE SHOWER?
Generally, on the day after the surgery.

WHAT IS THE POSTOPERATIVE EVOLUTION?
You should not forget that, until the desired result is reached, it will go through several stages. On item 2, we talk about the healing evolution (until the 18th month). On item 3, we talk about sensitivity, consistency etc. If you happen to be concerned about “achieving the desired final result ahead of schedule,” be patient, because your body will take care of spontaneously removing all the intermediate inconveniences that inevitably will draw the attention of some friend who will not refrain from asking “//IS THIS REALLY GOING TO DISAPPEAR?//” – Naturally, each and every worry you may have should be asked to us, and we will give you all the needed clarifications to keep you calm.

Note: In this phase, because of the way it temporarily looks, some patients might be a bit anxious. This anxiety is temporary and, generally, reflects the desire of achieving the final result as soon as possible. Remember that no results should be considered as the final ones before the period between 6 and 9 months.

Complimentary conducts at gyms, with beauticians or even physical therapists may improve the final result, because muscle modeling is of great importance on the new body shape.

RECOMMENDATIONS ON LIPOSCULPTURE/LIPOSUCTION
PREOPERATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Talk to your plastic surgeon up to 2 days before the surgery if you are on your period, have flu, are feeling unwell etc.
Be hospitalized at the indicated hospital, according to the schedule.

Avoid alcohol or heavy meals on the eve of the surgery.

Avoid any and all slimming drug that you may be using for a period of 10 days before surgery. This also includes diuretics.

Schedule your social, domestic, professional or academic activities so as not to become indispensable to others for a period of approximately 4 to 5 days.

POSTOPERATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Avoid efforts for 8 days.